Circuit controller



July 3o, 194C. J. BEAL CIRCUIT CONTROLLER 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 6, 1943 INVENTOR a/XW ATTORNEY I July 30, 1946. 1 F, BEAL 2,404,940

CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed 'April e, 1945 2 sheets-sheet 2 wlTNEssEs; INVENTQR Patented July 30, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CIRCUIT CONTROLLER James F. Beal, Renfrew, Ontario, Canada, assignor to The Bryant Electric Company, Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application April c, 1943, serial No. 481,985

27 Claims.

This invention relates in general to electric circuit controllers, and more specifically to return means for multi-position switches.

In multi-position switches such as the switch shown in Charles H. Hodgkins, Patent N0. 2,331,191, issued October 5, 1943, and assigned to the same assignee as this application, wherein a rotary switch operating handle is movable 360 in either direction and is provided with a plurality of operative positions and an "oiT position, a great deal of effort may be required in adjusting the switch, since it may Ibe necessary to rotate the switch a full 180. The effort required is multiplied when a ,plurality of such switches are provided, such as on an electric range for the control of each heating unit thereof. Particularly in electric range applications", it has been found that these switches are often left at an on position, or if a hasty attempt is made to turn them to "off position, that they often are not completely turned to off position. This results in a personal hazard, causes waste of electrical power, and may cause burning and consequent waste of food.

Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a switch of the type described with an automatic means to effect return of the switch to its off" position.

Another object of this invention is to provide for a switch which is movable in opposite directions from an off vposition to a plurality of operative positions, novel means for automatically returning the switch to its ofi position after adjustment to an operative position in either direction.

Another object of this invention is to provide for a switch which is rotatable 360 in either direction from an off position to a plurality of operative positions, novel means for resetting the switch to its off position by the same manual operation irrespective of the direction or the number of degrees of rotation of the switch.

One diiculty in providing spring reset means for switches having a plurality of operative positions, is that these switches generally employ some sort of spring indexing means to define each position of the switch, and if a resetting spring is employed which is strong enough to overcome the indexing means the force required to manually adjust the switch becomes excessive.

Therefore, another object of this invention is to provide in spring reset means for a switch of the type described, means for releasing the switch indexing means upon resetting so that the reset spring need not be of excessive strength.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel spring arrangement for indexing a multiposition switch which also biases the contacts of the switch into engagement.

These and other objects ofthis invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof when taken in connection with the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a central sectional View through a switch embodying this invention,

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective View of the reset mechanism shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a section taken substantially on the line III-III of Fig. 1J

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 but showing the position of the parts after rotation of the switch handle substantially 300,

Fig. 5 is a View also similar to Fig. 3, but illustrates still another position of the reset mechamsm,

Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of the reset mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 5 with a portion of the switch casing cover shown in section,

Fig. '7 is a front view of the switch shown in Fig. l,

Fig. 8 is a plan View showing the interior of the switch casing with the cover and actuating cam removed, and

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Figs. 3 to 5 but illustrating still another position of the reset mechanism.

`Referring to the drawings, the novel switch reset mechanism is illustrated in connection with a switch 2 similar to the switch shown in the above-mentioned patent of C. H. Hodgkins. The switch shown on the drawings, like the Hodgkins switch, is provided with an open sided casing 4 of insulating material, preferably a molded insulating material. The open side of casing 4 is provided with a cover plate 6 which may be removably secured in position by screws 44. The switch casing is also lprovided with a plurality of terminals 8, and mounted on the bottom wall of the casing are a plurality of annularly arranged spaced contact segments I0. There may be two concentric rings cf contact segments I0, with the space between the segments of each ring occupied by segments II of insulating material. A single contact actuating means in the form of an actuating cam member I2 is rotatably mounted by actuating shaft I 6 within the casing. As shown, the actuating shaft is provided with a square section I'I adapted to be received in a similarly shaped opening in actuating cam I2. The actuating cam carries a bridging contact I8 ernbedded in the undersurface thereof for bridging the two rings and connecting opposite contact segments lll. Actuating cam I2 may also have peripheral cam surfaces for actuating resilient switch arms such as i4, positioned at one or more sides of the casing as in the Hodgkins switch. Each switch arm I4 has a portion adapted to move into and out of engagement with a stationary contact I5, and the switch arms, contacts and o9 .-ontact segments are electrically connected with .ppropriate terminals 8. For a more complete escription of the construction and operation of switch of this type, reference is hereby made to the above-mentioned patent of C. H. Hodgkins.

This switch differs from the Hodgkins switch in that cover is provided about the aperture through which actuating shaft IB extends, with a plurality of annularly spaced indented portions 2d. The portions 2i) are for the purpose of receiving balls 22 supported by a ball supporting member 25 extending transversely of the actuating shaft. The actuating shaft l5 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 2li which may be formed by a saw-cut or the like, and ball support Z5 extends through this slot, and is located in a diametrically extending slot provided in the outer surface of actuating cam l2. The actuating cam is also provided with pockets aligned with balls 22 for receiving coil compression springs 28 engaged between the bottom of these pockets and ball support 25 to bias the support and balls 22 towards cover 5, and at the saine time urge actuating cam l2 toward the bottom wall of casing i to bias bridging contact I8 into engagement with the Contact segments mounted on the bottom wall of the casing.

An actuating handle 3) is provided with an aperture therethrough, preferably D-shaped in section to receive the similarly shaped outer end of actuating shaft I so as to be capable of rotating the shaft upon rotation of handle 30. A release bar 32 is formed integral with ball support 26 and extends from an intermediate portion of the latter, longitudinally through slot 24 in actuating shaft I6 and beyond the outer end thereof, The outer end of release bar 32 is preferably reduced in width, as shown at 34, for rotatably receiving a push button 36 having a sleeve adapted to work in counterbore 33 provided in the outer end of actuating handle 3D. Push button 35 may be retained on release bar 34 by a split ring 35 adapted to be received in a groove in push button 36.

From the structure thus far described, it will be apparent that rotation of actuating handle 3E! will cause rotation of actuating shaft i6 and cam i 2, to cause bridging contact i3 to successively bridge the various pairs of contact segments I0, and cause actuation of cam operated switch members i4. Indentations 2E in cover 6 are located so that balls 22 will enter diametrically opposed indentations at each closed circuit position of the switch as well as at the off position, shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 7, this switch has six positions equally spaced about the actuating shaft, so that six indentations 2i) are provided correspondingly spaced about the actuating shaft.

iii

This positively indexes the switch so that in moving from one position to the other, it is necessary that the balls 22 be rolled out of indentations 253 against the bias of springs 23. This requires greater force in initiating movement from a switch position than is required in moving between switch positions. Moreover, as soon as an operative position or the off position of the switch is approached, springs 28 will assist the operator in moving the switch, because balls 22 will roll into the next adjacent indentations to thereby index the switch at the proper point in its path of movement for defining an operative or closed circuit position. By moving push button 3B inwardly toward operating handle 3i), ball support 26 is moved to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, while compressing springs 28 to thereby relieve spring pressure on balls 22 so that they no longer offer any opposition or indexing in response to rotation of actuating shaft i6. The importance of this feature will appear as the description proceeds.

A substantially inverted cup-shaped casing is provided for the switch reset mechanism proper, and this casing may have integral outwardly extending supporting flanges 42 which may be secured to switch casing Il by the same screws fill securing cover 6 in place. Mounted within casing 40 on actuating shaft Hl are the various elements of the switch reset mechanism. These include a supporting plate 4B having a circular aperture therein so as to be freely rotatable relative to actuating shaft I6. Supporting plate 46 supports a latch 43, which has a top rearwardly extending lug 59 adapted to be loosely received in a notch 52 provided in extension 6d ol' supporting plate @6. Latch til is also provided with a lower rearwardly extending lug 5d adapted to be loosely received in notch 5f provided in the central opening of supporting plate 45. Lugs 59 and act to loosely mount latch 48 for movement with supporting plate 46 about actuating shaft I6 as an axis. Latch 48 is provided with a pair of side latch arms 58 and $6 which extend outwardly at each side thereof and are bent somewhat towards cover plate 6. Latch lli) is also provided with a pair of spaced forwardly extending release arms E6, 63, having reduced outer ends e6, 98, respectively, and an inclined edge 62 at the under side of arms St and 68 adjacent reduced ends 95, S8.

A reset spring 12, in the form of a helical coiled spring is also mounted over actuating shaft I6, and has the ends 1d, 716, thereof crossed and extending outwardly in spaced parallel relation to receive therebetween a forwardly extending spring lug lll also integral with latch 43. As clearly appears from Fig. 2, one end 1-5 of spring 'F2 is positioned at one side of spring lug li?, and the other end 'i6 of the spring is positioned at the other side of spring lug lil.

A second latch supporting member 'i3 is also mounted on actuating shaft Iii, and this support is provided with a substantially D-shaped aperture as to be nonrotatively mounted with respect to the actuating shaft. A second latch 6d is pivotally mounted on support i8, for example. as by a pivot pin 82. Latch Bil is provided with an upwardly and rearwardly extending spring arm 83 also adapted to extend between ends M and lli of spring 12, and sup-port i8 may have the upper end thereof notched to form legs ISB cornprising stops for limiting relative pivotal movement of latch 8d by engagement with the reduced rearwardly extending portion of spring arm 86. Latch 84 is provided with a pair of opposed latch arms Sii and 9%, and with a second pair of inwardly spaced opposed latch arms 92 and 911, all for a purpose to be described.

Supporting member 'i8 has a pair of forwardly extending side flanges IGZ for receiving therebetween a slidable release plate llld provided with an aperture Il for freely receiving actuating shaft i6. A projection |08 is provided in aperture |06 so as to be in alignment with the slot 2d in the actuating shaft and release bar 32 therein. Release plate M14 is provided with a substantially wedge shaped projection IIE] in alignment with a V-shaped notch l i 2 in latch 34, and with rearwardly and upwardly extending release arms H4, H5, all for a purpose to be described.l As previously stated, the outer end of shaft l5 is D-shaped in section. The inner end of shaft I 6 is full round in section, and at the point Where these two shaft sections meet, a stop shoulder 61 is formed. Stop shoulder 61 prevents movement of support 18 inwardly toward switch cover plate 6.

With the switch in the off position shown in Figs. 1 and 3, upon rotation of actuating handle 30 in either direction, spring 12. will be stressed, and the switch will be locked in the position to which it is adjusted against return movement by spring 12. Return of the switch to its off position is arranged to be effected by inward movement of push button 36 and release bar 32. In order to explain the operation of th'e reset mechanism, let is be assumed that it is desired to rotate actuating shaft I6 in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Figs. l and 3 toward the position shown in Fig. 9. Upon the initiating of such movement, latch 84 is also moved in a clockwise direction, because it is mounted on support 18 which is nonrotatable relative to actuating shaft I6. However, spring arm 86 of latch 84 engages spring end 16 and carries it along with it. This tends to cause movement of spring end 14 in the same direction; however as soon as spring end 14 exerts a force on spring lug 10 to the right as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3, latch 48 is tilted, as shown in Fig. 9, so that latch arm 58 engages cover plate 6. Switch cover plate 6 is provided with a pair of spaced struck-out portions forming shoulders 63 and 65 adjacent latch arms 6U and 58, respectively, in the off position of the switch parts. Consequently, as soon as latch arm 58 engages cover pla-te 6, its movement in a clockwise direction will be halted by shoulder 65.

Accordingly, continued movement of actuating shaft; I6 in a clockwise direction will move spring end 'I6 relative to spring end lI4, thus stressing the spring. Since latch 84 is pivotally mounted at 82, spring end 16 engaging spring arm 86 of the latch will cause rotation of the latch about pivot 82 in a counter-clockwise direction and cause latch arm 90 to engage with the inner surface of the side wall of casing 48. This position of latch 84 is shown in Fig. 9 with the switch at a position intermediate its simmer and low heat positions. As shown in Figs. l, 3, 4, 5 and 9, the side wall of casing 48 is provided with a plurality of apertures 65 spaced about the casing at points corresponding to the operative positions of the switch. Accordingly, when the switch' has been advanced to the desired position, latch arm 90 will engage in the corresponding aperture 69 in casing 48, so that when manual rotating effort is removed, the switch will remain at the position to which it has been adjusted. It is obvious that at such a position of the switchl it may again be manually operated to another position further from the o position, or to a, position closer to the oif position or to 01T position itself. If manually operated to off position in a counterclockwise directiony or to another switch position which is toward the oi position, rotating shaft I6 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 9will cause clockwise rotation of latch 84 about its Divot 82 and latch arm 98 will, accordingly, immediately release from the casing aperture 69 with which it was engaged. However, it is not necessary to manually restore the switch to off position by manipulation of handle 38, because this may be easily accomplished by merely depressing push button 36. Assuming that the switch is at a position other than its ofi position and it is desired to utilize the reset mechanism to restore the switch to off position, push button 36 is depressed. This moves release bar 32 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, destroying the indexing of balls 22 as previously described, and at the same time cam surface II8 formed as one side of a notch in the edge of the release bar opposite projection I 08 on release plate |04, engages projection E68 to move release plate towards latch 84. This causes engagement of wedge shaped projection I I0 on the release plate with the sides of V-shaped opening I I2 in the latch, to rotate the latch :to a position wherein latch arm is withdrawn from the casing aperture 69 with which it has been engaged. Since inward movement of the release bar 32 has destroyed the indeXing of balls 22, spring 'I2 will then be free to restore the actuating shaft to the off position of the switch by the action of spring end 16 on latch 84 and support plate 18. The engagement of wedge shaped projection i Il) in V-shaped notch' II2 of latch 84 prevents rotation of latch 84 about its pivot 82 during resetting movement and thereby prevents either latch arm 88 or 98 from engaging with any apertures 68.

In order to provide for movement of the switch actuating shaft in one direction an amount greater than 360, and also with a view to decreasing the size and strength requirements of spring 12, there is provided means for locking the two ends of the spring together after actuating shaft I6 has been rotated an amount more than 180 from the off position in either direction. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, locking of the two ends of spring 12 occurs after substantially 308 of rotation of actuating shaft I8 in either direction. Assuming rotation of actuating shaft I6 in a clockwise direction 300' from the position shown in Fig. 3 by handle 38, then the parts, assume the position shown in Fig. 4, wherein latch arm 94 of latch 84 engages the reduced end 88 of release arm 68 on latch 48.

This not only latches the two ends of the spring together, but also tilts latch 48 in a manner to remove arm 58 from shoulder 65, and also tilts latch 84 about its pivot 82 to remove latch arms 88 and Se from engagement with the inner side Wall of casing 48.

As the position of the part shown in Fig. 4, the switch may be moved by actuating handle 38 to any other desired switch position, including off position, or the switch may be automatically reset by depressing push' button 36. If it is desired to move the switch by handle 30 to some other position, the only resistance to movement will be that offered by indexing balls 22 and the pressure of bridging contact i8 on contact segments I and insulating segments IE. If it is desired to automatically reset the switch with the parts position as shown in Fig. 4, depression of push button 36 will again cause inward movement of release bar 32 and movement of release plate |84 towards latch 84, all as before. However, this time release arm I i4 on release plate I 84 will engage inclined surface 62 of release arm 68 of latch' 48, to tilt latch 48 and release the end S8 of releasearm 68 from latch arm 84 of latch 84. Inward movement of release bar 32 destroys the indexing function of balls 22 as previously described. With the ends of spring 12 unlocked, spring end 16 is free to restore actuating shaft I6 to o position by its engagement with latch 84. As soon as latch 48 is released from latch arm 84, spring end 14 will cause latch arm 58 on latch 48 to again engage shoulder 65 on cover plate 6 to form a reaction point for this end of the spring.

Switch handle 39 may, if desired, be manually moved to the off position from the position shown in Fig, fi. The switch may then be left with spring 'I2 in the stressed condition shown, or push button 36 may be depressed to unlock the two ends of the spring. In this case, rotation of the shaft is not necessary as the switch is at the olf position, and as a matter of fact the actuating shaft will not be moved, because, although inward movement of push button 355 destroys the indexing effect of balls 22, rotation of the shaft is still opposed by the friction between bridging contact I8 on the one hand and contact segments il) and insulating segments ll mounted on the bottom wall of casing 4 on the other hand. Consequently, when the switch is manually moved to off position from the position in Fig. 4, and. push button 35 is depressed, latch member i8 will be rotated in a clockwise direction because there is substantially no opposition to movement of this member, since it is mounted on supporting plate l5 and is free to rotate on shaft i6. However, spring end i4 causes the leading latch arm S of latch #it to engage cover plate 6 and this will engage shoulder 55 when the spring is unwound and the two ends are brought together upon opposite sides of spring lug 'I0 and spring arm 85 at the position of parts shown in Fig. 3.

Instead of manually rotating the switch to off position from the position of parts shown in 4l wherein the two ends of the spring are locked together or instead of automatically resetting the switch by depression of push button it may be desired to move the switch to some other position by means of handle 3B. If this is done, the parts may assume a position such as shown in Fig, 5 which is a position substantially 90 from the position shown in Fig. e. Here again, the switch may be manually manipulated by handle 38 to any other position or to off position as described above. Assuming, however, that it is desired to reset the switch to oi position from the position shown in Fig. 5, depression of push button (it will destroy the `indexing function of balls 22 and cause movement or release plate IEM towards latch 84, as before. This, in turn, will release latch arm 94 from end 98 of release arm E3 so that the spring will then be free to unwind. Since the least resistance is presented to spring end lli, that end will first act to move latch 8d back in a clockwise direction to the position shown in Fig. 3, where it will engage shoulder 65 and be halted. The remaining stress in spring 'i2 is then forced to be dissipated by spring end lt, and this will cause counterclockwise movement of latch 84, support 'i8 and actuating shaft Iii in a countercloekwise direction from the position shown in Fig, 5 to the olf position.

Although, in describing the operation of the switch and spring reset means, it has been assumed that the switch is rotated in a clockwise direction from the 01T position shown in Figs. l and 3, it will operate in the same manner if the switch is rotated in a counterclockwise direction from its ofi position. This is due to latches d8 and 34 being formed in an identical manner at opposite sides thereof, so that the only difference in operation upon rotation of the switch in a counterclockwise direction from its off position will be that the latch arm Bi! will engage shoulder 63 on the cover plate to anchor spring end 16, and latch arm 88 on latch 84 will be biased to engage apertures 59 in the side wall of the cover 4l). Latch 34 is released in the same manner by depressing push button 36 to cause projec- 8 tion ll on latch release plate Ille to rock latch 84 to a position intermediate its positions wherein latch arms 88 and Sii engage the inner surface of the side wall of casing liti. Release of latch i will restore the switch to off position in a manner similar to that described above.

From the foregoing it is apparent that this invention comprehends resetting means for switches of the type which are rotatable in either direction from an off position any desired amount, which may be actuated by merely pressing a release push button. The reset means is effective to reset the switch to its off position even though the switch is manually operated in either direction an unlimited amount. The invention also permits manual return of the switch to off position if desired, and in this case if the automatic release is later actuated, the mechanism will restore itself to its normal off pesition without however disturbing the electric circuit condition of the switch, Moreover, these novel functions are obtained by the use of a resetting spring which is maintained at a reasonable strength and size because actuation o-f the resetting pushbutton destroys some of the resistance to movement of the switch actuating shaft, and also because of the feature of locking the ends of the spring together after predetermined movement, so that additional movement, such as rotation of a plurality of revolutions in the same direction, does not act to further stress the spring.

As previously pointed out, a switch of this type is especially useful in the control of electric ranges where at least 4 such switches are usually provided for the various heating units of the range. It obviously would be a very simple matter to deenergize all the heating units of a range equipped with switches of this type by merely pressing the reset push buttons of the various switches. Furthermore, this positively insures the return of the switch to off position and does not require accurate manual adjustment to insure deenergization of the heating units.

Having described a preferred embodiment of the invention in accordance with the patent statutes, it is desired that the invention be not limited to this particular embodiment, inasmuch as it will be obvious, particularly to persons skilled in the art, that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the broad scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is desired that the invention be interpreted as broadly as possible and that it be limited only as required by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

l. In a switch having a plurality oi contacts, contacts actuating means movable in opposite direcions from an"oi position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, indexing means operative to frictionally maintain said actuating means at each position thereof, resilient means biasing said actuating means to said "oif position, latch means automatically o-perable to maintain said actuating means at any of said operative positions to which it is adjusted, and means for simultaneously releasing said latch means and indexing means to permit said resilient means to restore the switch to off position.

2. In a switch, a plurality of spaced contacts, cooperating contact means movable in one direction for successively engaging said spaced oontacts at successive operative positions, respectively, indexing means dening each of said opera- .9. tive positions, said indexing means including re siliently biased means engageable with spaced means at said positions, respectively, for increasing the resistance to movement of said movable contact means, and said resiliently biased means arranged to react on said movable contact means to bias the latter into engagement with said contacts at least at each of said positions..

3. In a switch, a plurality of spaced contacts, cooperating contact means movable in one direction from an oir position for 'successively engaging said spaced contacts at successive operative positions, respectively, indexing means deiining each of said operative positions, said in.- dexing means including resiliently biased means engageable with spaced mean-s at said positions, respectively, for increasingJr the resistance movement of said movable contact means, said resiliently biased means arranged to react on said movable contact means to bias the latter into engagement with said contacts at least at each of said position, resilient means biasing sai-:l movable Contact means to said oit position, latch means to maintain said movable contact means at each of its operative positions, means for simultaneously releasing said latch means and the engagement of said resiliently biased means with said spaced means to permit said resilient means to return said movable contact means to off position.

4. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means movable in a recurrent path in either direction any amount from an off position in Which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, resilient means biasing said actuating means to its oi position from any of said operative positions, latch means automatically operative at said operative positions to prevent return of said actuating means by said resilient means, and means for releasing said latch means.

5. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an off position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, resilient means biasing said actuating means to its oir position from any of said operative positions, latch means automatically operative at said operative positions to prevent return of said actuating means by said resilient means, and means for releasing said latch means.

6. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an ofi position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to oli position including a latch member movable with said actuating means and another latch member movable relative to said actuating means, stationary latch portions positioned to cooperate with said other latch member substantially at oir position for preventing movement thereof in either direction, annularly arranged spaced latch portions positioned to cooperate Wtih saidone latch member at said operative positions, respectively, resilient-means engaging said latch members so as to be stressed by relative movement thereof. means responsive to movement of said actuating means in either direction from off position to cause latching of said other latch member with one of its stationary latchportions and positioning of said one latch member for engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions to latch said actuating means at the operative position to which it is adjusted with said resilient means stressed an amount sufiicient to return said actuating means to oir position, and means for moving said one latch member to a position at Which it is'out of engagement With said annularly arranged latch portions thereby permitting said resilient means Vto reset said switch to oil position.

7. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an off position in which said contacts are open to a plurality of spaced Voperative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to o position including a latch member movable With said actuating means, annularly arranged spaced latch portions positioned to cooperate with said latch member at said operative positions, respectively, resilient means engaging said latch member so as to be stressed upon movement thereof in either direction from o position, means responsive to movement of said actuating means in either direction from ofi position to position said latch member for engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions to latch said actuating means at the operative position to Which it is adjusted with said resilient means stressed an amount suiiicient to return said actuating means to olif positionand means for moving said latch member to a position at which it is out of engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions thereby permitting said resilient means to reset said switch to oi position.

8. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction `from an 01T position in which said contacts are open to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to off position including a latch member movable with said actuating means and another latch member movable relative to said actuating means, stationary latch portions positioned to cooperate With said other latch member substantially at oil position for preventing movement Vthereof in either direction, annularly arranged spaced latch portions positioned to cooperate with said one latch member at said operative positions, respectively, resilient means engaging said latch members so as to be stressed by relative movement thereof, means responsive to movement of said actuating means in either direction from off position to cause latching of said other latch member with one of its stationary latch portions and positioning of said one latch member for engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions to latch said actuating means at the operative position to Which it is adjusted with said resilient means stressed an amount suflicient to return said actuating means to off position, means responsive to at least of movement of said actuating means from said 01T position to latch said latch members together and move said members to disengaged position relative to theirI cooperating latch portions, and means `for releasing said latch members to permit saidv spring to reset the switch.

. 9, VIn a switch having a plurality of contacts,

contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an off position in which said contacts are open to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to o position including a latch member movable with said actuating means and another latch member movable relative to said actuating means, stationary latch portions positioned to cooperate with said other latch member substantially at ofi position for preventing movement thereof in either direction, annularly arranged spaced latch portions positioned to cooperate with said one latch member at said operative positions, respectively, resilient means engaging said latch members so as to be stressed by relative movement. thereof, means responsive to movement of said actuating means in either direction from oi position to cause latching of said other latch member with one of its stationary latch portions and positioning of said one latch member for engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions to latch said actuating means at the operative position to which it is adjusted with said resilient means stressed an amount sufficient to return said actuating means to oir position, means responsive to at least 180 of movement of said actuating means to latch said latch members together and move said members to disengaged positions relative to their cooperating latch portions, and means acting on said one latch member to release the other latch member and maintain said one latch member at a position at which it is out of engagement with said annularly arranged latch portio-ns thereby permitting said resilient means to reset said switch to off position.

10. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amo-unt in either direction from an oi position in which said contacts are open to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to ofi position including a latch member movable with said actuating means and another latch member movable relative to said actuating means, stationary latch portions positioned to cooperate with said other latch member substantially at oi position for preventing movement thereof in either direction, annularly arranged spaced latch portions positioned to cooperate with said one latch member at said operative positions, respectively, resilient means engaging said latch members so as to be stressed by relative movement thereof, means responsive to movement of said actuating means in either direction from off position to cause latching of said other latch member with one of its stationary latch portions, means responsive to tensioning of said resilient means to position said one latch member for engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions to latch said actuating means at the operative position to which it is adjusted with said resilient means stressed an amount suilicient to return said actuating means to off position, and means for moving said one latch member to a position at which it is out of engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions thereby permitting said rel silient means to reset said switch to off position.

11. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an oil position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to oil position including resilient means a portion of which is movable with said actuating means, means holding another portion of said resilient means substantially xed for at least 180 of rotation of said actuating means from oli position, means for thereafter locking said two portions of said resilient means together with said resilient means in stressed condition, means for releasing said portions for retrograde movement, and means preventing retrograde movement of said other portion of said resilient means beyond said off position, whereby said oneportion of said resilient means is eieotive to restore said actuating means to ci position.

l". In a switch having a plurality of contacts,

contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an off position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to off position including resilient means a portion of which is movable with said actuating means, means holding another portion of said resilient means substantially fixed for at least 180 of rotation of said actuating means from oli position, means for thereafter locking said two portions of said resilient means together with said resilient means in stressed condition, means for latching said actuating means against retrograde movement at least at each operative position up to said 180 of rotation, means for releasing said latching means and said portions for retrograde movement, and means preventing retrograde movement of said other portion of said resilient means beyond said ofi positiony whereby said one portion oi said resilient means is effective to restore said actuating means to off position.

13. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means movable in a recurrent path in either direction any amount from an off position in which said contacts are open, to

a plurality of spaced operative portions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, indexing means defining each of said operative positions by a change in the resistance to move- Jo" tions to prevent return of said actuating means by said resilient means, and means for concurrently rendering said indexing means ineffective and releasing said latch means.

14. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an off position in which Y means engaging said latch members so as toA be stressed by relative movement thereof, means re'- sponsive to movement of said actuating means in either direction from off position to cause latching of said other latch member with one of its stationary latch portions and positioning of said one latch member for engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions to latch said actuating means at the operative position to which it is adjusted with said resilient means stressed an amount sufficient to return said actuating means to off position, indexing means defining each of said operative positions by a change in the resistance to movement of said actuating means, and means for concurrently rendering said indexing means ineffective and moving said one latch member to a position at which it is out of engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions thereby permitting said resilient means to reset said switch to off position.

15. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an off position in which said contacts are open to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to off position including a latch member movable with said aotuating means, annularly arranged spaced latch portions positioned to cooperate with said latch member at said operative positions, respectively, resilient means engaging said latch member so as to be stressed upon movement thereof in either direction from oif position, means responsive to movement of said actuating means in either direction from off position to position said latch member for engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions to latch said actuating means at the operative position to which it is adjusted with said resilient means stressed an amount sufficient to return said actuating means to o position, indexing means defining each of said operative positions by a change in the resistance to movement of said actuating means, and means for concurrently rendering said indexing means ineffective and moving said latch member to a position at which it is out of engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions thereby permitting said resilient means to reset said switch to off position.

16. In a switch having a plurality of contacts,

contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an off position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to off position including a latch member movable with said actuating means and another latch member movable relative to said actuating means, stationary latch portions positioned to cooperate with said other latch member substantially at off position for preventing movement thereof in either direction, annularly arranged spaced latch portions positioned to cooperate with said one latch member at said operative positions, respectively, resilient means engaging said latch members so as to be stressed by relative movement thereof, means responsive to movement of said actuating means in either direction from off position to cause latching of said other latch member with one of its stationary latch portions and positioning of said one latch member for engagement with said annularly arranged latch portions to latch said actuating means at the operative position to which it is adjusted with said resilient means stressed an amount sufficient to return said actuating means to olf position, indexing means dening each of said operative positions by a change in the resistance to movement of said actuating means, means responsive to at least 180 of movement of said actuating means to latch said latch members together and move said members to disengaged positions relative to their cooperating latch portions, and means for concurrently rendering said indexing means ineffective and releasing said latch members to permit said spring to reset the switch.

17. In a switch having a plurality of relatively movable contacts, a rotatable contact actuating shaft movable from an off position in which said contacts are disengaged to a plurality of operative positions in each of which certain of said contacts are engaged, resilient means biasing said shaft to said o position from each of said operative positions, latch means for automatically maintaining said shaft at each operative position, and means movable longitudinally of said shaft substantially along the axis thereof for releasing said latch means to permit said spring to return said shaft to off position.

18. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an oif" position in which said contacts are open to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, resilient means biasing said actuating means to its olf position from any of said operative positions, latch means automatically operative at said operative positions to prevent return of said actuating means by said resilient means, and means movable longitudinally of the axis of rotation of said actuating means and substantially along said axis for releasing said latch means 19. In a switch having a plurality of relatively movable contacts, a rotatable contact actuating shaft movable from an"off position in which said contacts are disengaged to a plurality of operative positions in each of which certain of said contacts are engaged, resilient means biasingsaid shaft to said off position from each of said operative positions, latch means for automatically maintaining said shaft at each operative position, said shaft having a longitudinal passage, and means slidable through said passage for releasing said latch means to permit said spring to return said shaft to off position.

20. In a switch having a plurality of relatively movable contacts, a rotatable contact actuating shaft movable from an off position in which said contacts are disengaged to a plurality of operative positions in each of which certain of said contacts are engaged, resilient means biasing said shaft to said "oif position, latch means for automatically maintaining said shaft at an operative position, said shaft having a longitudinal passage, means slidable through said passage for releasing said latch means to permit said spring to return said shaft to olf position, an actuating handle having an aperture for drivingly receiving said shaft, and a push button on said slidable means outwardly of said handle.

21. In a switch, a rotatable switch actuating shaft, a plurality of spaced contacts arranged about said shaft, movable contact means slidably but non-rotatably carried by said shaft for successively engaging said spaced contacts upon rotation of said shaft in one direction, indexing means for said switch including a member arranged about said shaft and a cooperating member associated with said movable contact arrogant means, one of said members having annularly arranged depressions and the other of said members including projection means adapted to be received in a depression at each position of said switch, resilient means biasing one of said members toward the other with said bias exerted generally longitudinally of said shaft so the reaction thereof also biases said movable contact means towards said spaced contacts.

22. In a switch, a rotatable switch actuating shaft, a plurality of spaced contacts arranged about Said shaft, movable contact means slidably but non-rotatably carried by said shaft for successively engaging said spaced contacts upon rotation of said shaft in one direction, indexing means for said switch including a member arranged about said shaft and a cooperating member associated with said movable contact means, one of said members havinor annularly arranged depressions and the other of said members including projection means adapted to be received in a depression at each position of said switch, resilient means biasing one of said members to ward the other with said bias exerted generally longitudinally of said shaft so the reaction thereof also biases said movable contact means towards said spaced contacts and manually operable means for relieving at least one of said members of said resilient bias to destroy indexing.

23. In a switch, a rotatable switch actuating shaft, a plurality of spaced contacts arranged about said shaft, movable contact means slidably but non-rotatably carried by said shaft for successively engaging said spaced contacts upon rotation of said shaft in one direction, indexing means for said switch including a member arranged about said shaft and a cooperating member associated with said movable contact means, one of said members having annularly arranged depressions and the other of said members including projection means adapted to be received in a depression at each position of said shaft wherein said movable contact means engagesa spaced contact and at an orf position, resilient means biasing one of said members toward the other with said bias exerted generally longitudinally of said Shaft so the reaction thereof also biases said movable contact means towards said spaced contacts, second resilient means biasing said shaft to off position, latch means for automatically maintaining said switch at a closed circuit position to which it is adjusted, manually operable means movable longitudinally of said shaft for relieving at least one of said members of said resilient bias to destroy indexing, and said manually operable means having a cam surface for concurrently releasing said latch means to permit said second resilient means to restore the switch to its off position.

24. In a switch having a plurality of relatively movable contacts, a rotatable contact actuating shaft movable from an off position in which said contacts are disengaged to a plurality of operative positions in each of which certain of said contacts are engaged, resilient means for returning said shaft when at each of said operative positions to said off position, latch means for automatically maintaining said shaft at each 0perative position, an actuating handle having an aperture for drivingly receiving said shaft, and a push button slidably mounted on said shaft outwardly of said handle for releasing said latch 16 means to permit said resilient means to return said shaft to ci position.

25. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rotatable any amount in either direction from an off position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to off position including resilient means a portion of which is movable with said actuating means, means holding another portion of said resilient means substantially xed for at least of rotation of said actuating means from off position, means for thereafter locking said two portions of said resilient means together with said resilient means in stressed condition, means for latching said actuating means against retrograde movement at least at each op erative position up to said 180 of rotation, means for releasing said latching means and said por tions for retrograde movement, means preventing retrograde movement of said other portion of said resilient means beyond said off position whereby said one portion of said resilient means is effective to restore said actuating means to oif position, and indexing means defining at least the operative positions beyond said 180 of rotation by a change in the resistance to move ment of said actuating means.

26. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means rctataable any amount in either direction from an orf position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality 0f spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, means for returning said actuating means to off position including resilien+ means a portion of which is movable with said actuating means, means holding another portion of said resilient means substantially xed for at least 180 of rotation of said actuating means from eff position, means for thereafter locking said two portions of said resilient means together with said resilient means in stressed condition, 'means for latching said actuating means against retrograde movement at least at each operative position up to said 180 of rotation, indexing means defining at least the operative positions beyond said 188 of rotation by a change in the resistance to movement of said actuating means, means for concurrently releasing said inn dexing means, said latching means and said portions for retrograde movement, and means preventing retrograde movement of said other portion of said resilient means beyond said off position, whereby said one portion of said resilient means is effective to restore said actuating means to olif position.

27. In a switch having a plurality of contacts, contact actuating means movable in a recurrent path in either direction any amount from an oli position in which said contacts are open, to a plurality of spaced operative positions in each of which at least some of said contacts are closed, resilient means adapted to he stressed in response to movement of said actuating means from said off position to any of said operative positions for returning said actuating means to said off position, latch means automatically operative at said operative positions to prevent return of said actuating means by said resilient means, and

JAMES F'. BEAL. 

